4.5-Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Kenya’s Coast

A magnitude 4.5 earthquake shook Kilifi, a coastal town in Kenya, sending tremors through several communities. The quake occurred on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 4:17 PM local time. The epicenter was located 27 kilometers northeast of Kilifi, originating from a shallow depth of 10 kilometers beneath the Indian Ocean, as reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC).

Residents near the epicenter felt the quake strongly due to its shallow origin. Tremors were noticeable in towns such as Malindi, Watamu, Vipingo, and Takaungu. In Mombasa, 78 kilometers southwest of the epicenter, people experienced mild shaking. However, the tremors went unnoticed in Nairobi, 427 kilometers away.

This earthquake ranks as the strongest in Kenya’s coastal region in over 30 years. A similar 4.9 magnitude tremor had hit the area in 1995, about 51 kilometers southwest of this recent epicenter. Kenya’s most powerful recorded earthquake, a magnitude 5.5, struck the Indian Ocean on March 14, 1990, at 2:05 AM.

Last year, on July 16, Kenyans across various regions, including Nairobi, Magadi, Kajiado, Kikuyu, Limuru, and Athi River, reported earthquake activity. Some claimed the tremors lasted up to 10 minutes.

Although the latest quake caused no casualties or structural damage, it exposed the coastal region’s vulnerability to seismic activity. Geologists explained that tectonic plate movements beneath the Earth’s crust release stress as seismic waves, resulting in ground shaking.

This incident highlights the importance of vigilance and preparedness in earthquake-prone areas. Authorities urge communities to follow safety guidelines and remain alert. Building structures designed to withstand tremors is also critical, especially in regions near fault lines.

Residents shared their experiences on social media, describing the tremors as brief but unsettling. The earthquake has raised calls for research into the region’s seismic patterns to mitigate potential risks. As Kilifi recovers from this rare event, communities are reminded of the unpredictable nature of natural disasters and the need for resilience and proactive measures.